Yes. You would use 40 wt. Rayon or Cotton Embroidery Thread in both the needle and the bobbin. Press a 1" hem on the edge of your fabric then place a strip of water soluble stabilizer so it is 1" under the folded edge of the fabric and at lease I" outside the folded edge. Next, select CHARACTER/DECORATIVE STITCH, then the satin stitch symbol. Set the pattern length to 5mm. Select scallop stitch and set the length to 0.2mm. Place a piece of gimp cord under the foot and take a couple of stitches to anchor the cord into the stitch. Sew slowly, gently guiding the cord in front of the stitch. When finished, trim threads and cord from the ends. Wash off the water soluble stabilizer

How can I hem or topstitch knits with a double needle on my Espire or Encore?

A:

First, be sure you are using a stretch twin needle. Threading your machine as you would for sewing with a double needle, select the straight stitch in the middle position. Adjust the stitch length to 3.0-4.0 and sew your hem or topstitching. Your bobbin thread will form a zig‑zag which creates stretch in the stitch. For a stitch with more stretch, use wooly nylon in the bobbin. For more information look in the Esante Ese Workbook.

I want to add a touch of holiday sparkle to my handmade holiday items but Santa hasn't brought my Esante yet. What can I do?

A:

You can use a double needle in your regular sewing machine with metallic threads and either a straight or zig-zag stitch. If your machine has built in decorative stitches like the Espire and Encore you can use metallic thread when stitching those also. Be sure when using metallic threads to use a metallic needle and put your thread on the vertical spool pin.

How do I know which techniques require the use of the foot pedal and which ones I can use the "Start/Stop" button?

A:

If it is a technique such as stippling or free motion embroidery you will need your hands to guide the fabric, using the foot pedal is usually the best. When doing simple seaming, you do not have to guide the fabric as much, using the "Start/Stop" button is very convenient. When you need more control over your fabric using the foot pedal is always the best idea. Keep in mind, when using a machine with an embroidery unit attached, you will need to have the foot pedal disconnected.

Can I use cotty thread in the needle of my Esante'? If so, how do I do this?

A:

Yes, you can use cotty thread in the needle of your Esante'. Use a topstitch needle, lengthen your stitch, and loosen your tension. Remember, fabric combinations are different, so you may need to experiment a little with your settings.

What is the best way to do stippling or free motion quilting on Baby Lock without a stitch regulator?

A:

Increase your stitching speed, decrease your tension, and lengthen your stitch. Experiment with the settings and speed until you get 'the hang of it' and the desired results.

We have a great and Bonus Sew at Home OnDemand (pre-recorded) class just that subject and is called "Free Motion Quilting with your Baby Lock?" Click here for a link to the Sew at Home OnDemand website and order this FREE video class today! Note you will need to set-up an account on this website, even if you have a Baby Lock website profile, they are different.

What do I need to do if I have stored my machine for a long period of time and want to take it out and sew with it?

A:

If you prepared your machine properly for storage by oiling it well to keep rust from attacking it, there are a couple of things you will want to do before using it on your project. First, remove the bobbin, race, and ring. Wipe all the parts with a dry cloth. Replace the bobbin parts and bobbin. Then sew, on a scrap of fabric first. When you think you machine should be oiled, oil the bobbin area. Run your machine with outout thread a minute, and wipe out excess oil. That should keep the oil from soiling the thread and fabric you are sewing.

I have seen the Candlewicking stitch by sewing machine. How do I do this?

A:

Any sewing machine with the "Button Stitch" to sew on buttons can do this easily.

Machine Setting:Button Stitch

Stitch Width: 2.5

Stitch Length: 0 (or as low as it will go)

Foot: Pearl Foot

Lower Feed Dogs

Stitch the "Button Stitch" three times in place. This will create a nice knot that resembles Candlewicking. Move to next knot location.
By using the Button Stitch, the knot is "tied off" automatically.

I have read where I can use metal bobbins in my Espree and Esante machines. I have plastic bobbins that came with the machines. Is it ok to use metal bobbins?

A:

No, it is not good to use metal bobbins with the Espree and Esante machines. The bobbin case is magnetic. With metal bobbins the magnet will prevent the thread from flowing smoothly from the bobbin while sewing or embroidering. Please use only genuine Baby Lock Ese bobbins for the Espree and Esante. The part # is 136492101. Your Baby Lock dealer can sell you the correct bobbins for your machine.

I would like to use 5000 yard cones of embroidery thread on my embroidery machine. How do I thread the machine correctly, as it will not fit on the spool pin holder?

A:

Place the cone of thread on your right, at the back of the machine. Bring the thread up and behind the bobbin winder spindle. (where the bobbin sits) Place the largest spool cap on the empty horizontal spool pin and take the thread through the hole of the spool cap. From this point thread the machine normally.

Do you have a list of the accessory feet that come with my sewing machine?

A:

We now have accessory list for the Esante Ese, Espire, Encore listed on the web site. Go to the machine page and scroll down to the bottom of the first page. Click on "Machine Accessory List". A complete list of accessories will appear. These can be printed out for your reference.

I am having difficulty making buttonholes in Polar Fleece fabric. The fabric does not want to feed through. HELP!

A:

Put a tear away stabilizer under the area where you want the buttonhole. This prevents the feed dogs from sinking into the fabric and not feeding correctly. Place a layer of water soluble stabilizer on top of the fabric where the button hole is to be made. Select a stretch buttonhole setting if you have it on your machine.